Attic ventilator



July 27, 1954 l.. cooK 2,684,621

ATTIC VENTILATOR Filed Dec. 5, 1952 24 Arroe/VEYS Patented July 27, 1954 ATTIC VENTILATOR Loren Cook, Berea, 0h51 2 Claims. l

This invention relates to Ventilating devices of the exhaust fan type and, as its principal object, aims to provide a novel form of attic ventilator.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel attic ventilator having a sheet 'metal housing and embodying a fan and motor unit and which has the size, shape and appearance of a chimney, such that when the ventilator is mounted on the roof of a building, it will not detract from the architectural lines and appearance of the building.

Still another object is to provide a novel attic ventilator of the character referred to in which the sheet metal housing is provided internally thereof with a mounting member defining a throat opening, preferably of a Venturi shape, and in which the fan and motor unit is supported by such member and the fan is rotatable in the throat opening.

A further object is to provide a novel attic ventilator of the character mentioned in which the mounting mem-ber for the fan and motor unit also defines a drainage pocket or channel for collecting rain, or the like, and in which a drain opening leading from such pocket or channel eX- tends through the wall of the housing to a point outside thereof.

Yet another object is to provide a novel attic ventilator of the kind mentioned above in which air-flow responsive cover means pivotally connected with the mounting member, has an effective or closed position covering thethroat opening.

The invention can be further briefly summarized as consisting in certain novel combinai tions and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and particularly set out in the claims hereof.

in the accompanying sheet of drawings forming a part hereof:

Fig. l is an elevation showing an attic ventilator embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the ventilator;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken through the ventilator on section line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan View corresponding with the portion of Fig. 2 which includes the pivotal mounting for the movable cover means, but showing such portion on a larger scale;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section on a larger scale and taken through the mounting ring and cover means, substantially as indicated by section line 5-5 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 6 is another fragmentary vertical section on a larger scale and taken through the mount- .o, assignor to Loren Cook Company, Berea, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application December 5, 1952, Serial No. 324,168

2 u ing ring and cover means, substantially on section line 6--6 of Fig. 4.

As one practical embodiment of this invention, the drawings show this novel attic ventilator l0 mounted on the roof Il of a building having a space therein, such as an attic space I2, to be ventilated. At the point where the ventilator I0 is mounted on the roof II, the roof is provided with an opening I3 which is formed therein by cutting away the roof structure or roof boards IlEL between a pair of adjacent rafters I4. The opening I3 is of a size and shape to permit a direct flow of air from the attic space I2 into and through the ventilator I0.

The ventilator I0 comprises an upright openended tubular sheet metal housing or duct structure I6 which is preferably, though not necessarily, of a quadrangular cross-sectional shape. The housing I6 defines an upright Ventilating passage I'I whose lower end is in direct communication with the attic space I2 through the roof opening I3.

The housing IB is provided at the lower end thereof, with flashing means I8 constituting a base which forms both a mechanical and a weather-tight connection between the ventilator I0 and the roof II. The base I8 is here shown as comprising a lateral flange portion I8a which extends around the opening I3 and is suitably attached to the roof as by means of the nails I9. The base I 8 also includes an upright tubular portion I8b of substantially the same size and crosssectional shape as the lower end of the housing I6 and over which such lower end of the housing extends in a telescoping relation, as shown in Fig. 3.

The telescoping engagement of the lower end of the housing I6 with the tubular portion lab of the base I3 assists in connecting the ventilator with the roof II by preventing any lateral shifting of the housing and also forms a weathertight connection by which the leakage of rain, or the like, past the lower end of the housing and into the roof opening I3 will be effectively prevented. The ventilator I 0 can also be suitably anchored on the roof II as by means of straps or rods 2t having their upper ends bolted or otherwise attached to the housing I6 and their lower ends extending through the opening I3 and attached to the rafters I4 or available portions of the roof II.

At the upper end thereof, the housing I6 is provided with a cap 2I simulating a chimney cap and which is here shown as being in the form of a sheet metal frame having a plan shape corresponding with the cross-sectional shape of the housing. The sheet metal frame forming the cap 2i includes a channel-shaped portion 2 la dening the perimeter of the cap and disposed with the channel recess thereof facing inwardly. The channel portion 21e is also disposed so as to project laterally outwardly in overhanging relation to the upper edge of the housing I8 so as to have the appearance of a chimney cap. The sheet metal frame forming the cap 2| also includes a depending axial flange 2lb which telescopes into the upper end of the housing I6 and is bolted or otherwise suitably attached to the wall of the housing. The cap 2l also serves to reinforce the upper end of the housing I6.

At an intermediate point thereof, the housing Hi is provided with a mounting member or fan ring 22, and a fan and motor unit 23 which is supported by such mounting member. The mounting member 22 is preferably a sheet metal member comprising integrally connected, laterally spaced outer and inner axial ring portions or walls 22a and 22h. The outer ring portion 22a lies against, and is suitably secured to, the Wall of the housing i6 and has the same perimetral shape as that of the housing. For example, when the housing i6 is of a quadrangular shape as here shown, then the outer ring portion 22a also has a quadrangular perimetral shape. The inner ring portion 22h is in the form of an annularly-extending wall defining a circular throat opening 24 in the housing passage I1 and preferably has a Venturi shape, as shown in Fig. 3, for facilitating a smooth flow of air through the throat opening.

The mounting member 22 also denes an upwardly facing permanently open drainage pocket or channel 25 extending entirely around the throat opening 2li and formed by the intervening space between the outer and inner ring portions 22a and 22h. One or more drain passages communicate with the pocket 25 and lead from the bottom thereof to a point outside of the housing i6 for discharging rain or other collected moisture externally of the ventilator.

Drainage passages can be provided for this purpose which are in the form of the slots 26 which extend through the outer ring portion 22a and through the wall of the housing, as shown in Figs. l and 5. At the locations of these drain slots 26, the housing It is provided with clips 21 which are secured to the wall of the housing immediately below the mounting member 22 to prevent leakage of water downwardly from the pocket 25 into the Ventilating passage I1 by seeping between the mounting member and the housing wall.

The fan and motor unit 23 comprises an electric motor 28, a propeller fan 29 mounted on the shaft of the motor, and a motor mount or hanger 30. The mount 3G is here shown as comprising a bracket or yoke 3i in which the motor 28 is suitably held and a pair of support rods 32. The bracket 3i is disposed between and secured to the support rods 32 at an intermediate point of the latter. The fan and motor unit 23 is disposed with the fan 29 in the throat opening 24 of the mounting member 22 and is secured in this position by having the upwardly curved ends 32a of the support rods welded or otherwise suitably attached to the bottom of the mounting member. When the fan and motor unit is mounted in this position, the motor 2S is suspended in the passage i1 substantially on the axis of the throat opening 24. Electric current is supplied to the motor 23 through a conductor cable 28a which is con- CII nected with the motor through an outlet box 33 provided on the bracket 3i. The fan and motor unit 23 is controlled by switch means (not shown) located at a suitable point in the building and connected with the motor 28 by the conductor cable 28S.

The ventilator I0 also includes an air-flow responsive cover means 34 for the throat opening 24 to prevent rain, leaves, or other foreign matter from passing downwardly through the Ventilating passage I1 when the ventilator is not in operation. The cover means 34 comprises a pair of complemental substantially semicircular cover members 34a and 34b which, in their closed position, overlie the throat opening 24 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. These cover members are provided along the curved outer edge thereof with a downturned lip portion or flange 35 which lies outwardly of the inner ring portion 22b and facilitates the drainage of water from the cover means into the pocket 25 when the cover means is closed. The flange 35 also forms a stiflening means for the cover members. At diametrically opposite points thereof the inner wall 22b of the mounting ring 22 has portions 34c extended upwardly forming seats which are engaged by the cover members 34a and 34b when the latter are in their closed position as shown in Fig. 3.

The adjacent straight edges of the cover members 34a and 34b are provided with beads 36 eX- tending therealong and by which these edges of the cover members are attached to a pair of substantially parallel pivot shafts 31. The ends of the shafts 31 are pivotally mounted in suitable bearings 38 which are carried by the upper ends of angular sheet metal brackets 39. These brackets are located at diametrically opposite points of the mounting member 22 and are suitably connected with the latter as by having a depending leg 39a secured against the outer ring portion 22a, as shown in Fig. 5.

A cover strip 40 of a downwardly facing channel-shaped cross-section extends diametrically across the throat opening 24 at a point above the pivot shafts 31. This cover strip houses the pivot shafts and assists in preventing rain, or the like, from passing downwardly through the intervening slot or joint 4| formed by the adjacent straight diametral edge portions of the cover members 34a and 34b when the latter are in their closed position. The cover strip 40 is secured in this position by having end flanges 42 which are secured to the brackets 39 by means of the screws 43.

In addition to the cover strip 40, a gutter strip 44 is provided for preventing leakage of water past the cover members 34a and 34h. This gutter strip is a channel-shaped sheet metal member extending across the throat opening 24 and disposed beneath the pivot shafts 31 with its channel recess facing upward. The gutter strip 44 has flanged ends 44a secured to the inner ring portion 22b by the screws 45 and forms a drip pan into which water draining from the cover members 34a and 34b will fall when these cover members are standing in their open position.

When the fan and motor unit 23 is idle, the cover members 34a and 34b swing downwardly by gravity by rotation of the pivot shafts 31 in the bearings 38 to assume the laterally aligned closed position shown in Fig. 3, in which these cover members overlie and close the throat opening 24. In this closed position, these cover members prevent the entry of rain, leaves or other :foreign matter into the building through the ventilating passage I1, as mentioned above, and also prevent the loss of heated air from the building through the Ventilating passage during winter weather.

When the fan and motor unit 23 is placed in operation, the ian 29 draws air from the building through the roof opening I3 and discharges the same to the outside atmosphere for eiectively Ventilating the building by the removal of heated, stale or contaminated air from the space I2. The stream of air being impelled by the fan 29 swings the cover members 34a and 34la upwardly to their broken line open position shown in Figs. 3 and 6 and in which position these cover members remain as long as the fan and motor unit continues in operation.

From the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, it will now be readily luiderstood that this invention now provides ya novel ventilator which can be economically manufactured and readily installed on the roof of a dwelling house or other building and which will operate very effectively in removing heated, stale or contaminated air from the attic or other building space to be ventilated. It will now also be seen that this novel ventilator has the appearance of a chimney and when mounted on the building will enhance rather than detract from the architectural appearance thereof. This is particularly true in the case of central housing units which frequently do not have any chimney at all, and hence, the use of this ventilator or such units will produce a distinct improvement in the architectural appearance thereof, as well as accomplishing its important Ventilating function.

Likewise, it will be seen that the novel selfclosing yair-iiow responsive cover means will automatically close the Ventilating passage when the ventilator is not in use to prevent rain, and other foreign matter from entering the building and to conserve the heat of the building during winter weather. Additionally it will now be understood that this novel ventilator can be produced as a prefabricated unit which can be readily transported and installed.

Although the novel ventilator of this invention has been illustrated and described herein to a somewhat detailed extent, it will be understood,

of course, that the invention is not to be regarded as being limited correspondingly in scope, but includes all changes and modifications coming within the terms of the claims hereof.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1. In a ventilator, an open-ended upright sheet metal housing of a quadrangular cross-sectional shape and having a passage extending therethrough, a mounting ring located in and secured to said housing at an intermediate point thereof, said mounting ring comprising connected laterally spaced axially extending inner and outer walls and defining an upwardly opening drainage pocket between said walls, said outer wall having a perimeter of quadrangular shape and lying against the wall of said housing and said inner wall being of an annular shape defining a substantially circular throat opening in said passage. air flow responsive cover means comprising a pair of cooperating substantially semicrcular cover members having an effective position closing said throat opening at the upper end thereof and having diametral edges disposed in adjacent relation, pivot means connecting said diametral edges with said mounting ring for an upward opening swinging movement oi' said cover members, said housing and ring having portions dening a drainage path leading from sa-id drainage pocket to a point outside said passage, and a fan and motor unit supported by said ring with the `motor extending in depending relation thereto and with the fan rotatable in said throat opening beneath said cover means.

2. In an attic ventilator, an open-ended upright sheet metal housing of a quadrangular cross-sectional shape and having a passage extending therethrough, a cap on the upper end of said housing comprising a sheet metal frame having an axially extending portion in telescoping engagement with the housing, sheet metal base means adapted for supporting engagement with a roof structure and having an axially extending portion in telescoping engagement with the lower end of said housing, a mounting ring located in and secured to said housing at an intermediate point thereof, said mounting ring comprising connected laterally spaced axially extending inner and outer Walls and deining an upwardly opening drainage pocket, said outer wall having a perimeter of quadrangular shape and lying against the wall of said housing and said inner wall being of an annular shape defining a substantially circular throat opening in said passage, air-flow responsive cover means comprising a pair of cooperating substantially semicircular cover members having an eiective position closing said throat opening at the upper end thereof and having diametral edges disposed in adjacent relation, pivot means connecting said diametral edges with said mounting ring for an upward opening swinging movement of said cover members, support means connected with said ring and extending across said throat openings adjacent the lower end thereof, said housing having an opening extending through the wall thereof, the outer wall of said mounting ring having an opening therein, the openings of said housing wall and said outer wall being in register with each other and defining a drain opening leading from said drainage pocket to a. point outside said passage, a fan and motor unit having the fan thereof rotatable in said throat opening between said cover means and said support means, and means connecting said motor with said support means in depending relation to the latter and substantially on the axis of said throat opening.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,318,312 lChristen Oct. 7, 1919 1,532,635 Osbun Apr. 7, 1925 1,584,247 Simmons May 11, 1926 1,844,727 Van Vorst Feb. 9, 1932 2,439,271 Shaver Apr. 6, 1948 2,551,004 Johnson May 1, 1951 2,641,987 Burgan June 16, 1953 

